£3000 Incentive for Hiring An Apprentice

The Chancellor of the Exchequer, the Rt Hon Rishi Sunak MP, has announced that the government incentive scheme of £3000 for hiring a new apprentice will extend to the end of January 2022.

Employers are being encouraged to take up the scheme to increase the number of apprenticeship opportunities for the UK’s young adult population. The 16 – 24 age group have consistently had the highest unemployment rate for a number of years and the government is promoting the incentive to address this.

The £3000 payment is different to apprenticeship levy funds and can be used to support employers business costs. For example, uniforms, equipment, apprentice’s travel or their salary. The employer does not have to pay it back.

For apprentices with an employment start date from 1 April 2021 to 30 September 2021: There is still time to apply, applications close on 30 November 2021.Apprentices must have an employment start date from 1 April 2021 to 30 September 2021. They must also have an apprenticeship start date from 1 April 2021 to 30 November 2021.

For apprentices with an employment start date from 1 October 2021 to 31 January 2022: Recruit now, apply later! Applications will open in January 2022. Apprentices must have an employment start date from 1 October 2021 to 31 January 2022.

How to apply: to receive the payment, employers must submit an application for each eligible apprentice using an apprenticeship service account. Watch the government’s how to video for a step-by-step guide.